January 28th 2025.
As the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump wasted no time in trying to fulfill his campaign promise of making America great again. He was sworn in on January 20, which also happened to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In less than a week, Trump had already issued several executive orders, making it clear that his second term would not be much different from his first. This has caused concern among many, as Trump has a way of influencing his loyal followers to exhibit bold, racist, and discriminatory actions towards people of color, thus undoing the progress made towards equality.
In the midst of this uncertainty, it is crucial for us to educate ourselves and sharpen our minds. One way to do this is by delving into books that explore the issue of racism within our society. Here are five books that offer hope and wisdom for the next four years.
On A Move: Philadelphia’s Notorious Bombing And A Native Son’s Lifelong Battle For Justice, written by Mike Africa Jr. and D. Watkins, was published on August 6, 2024. This powerful book sheds light on how the government has used its racist power to oppress Black civilians, as Africa Jr. shares his personal experience of witnessing the bombing of his West Philly neighborhood. The smoke and destruction stretched all the way to New Jersey and Delaware, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America, written by Ijeoma Olou, was released on December 1, 2020. This book is a must-read as it delves into the challenges faced by Black Americans in a society that is rooted in racism and sexism. Olou highlights how these oppressive systems are passed down from generation to generation, making it difficult for people of color to thrive. She also reminds us that the United States would not exist without the contributions of people of color, making the fight against racism even more crucial.
Woman, Race, & Class, written by Angela Y. Davis and published in January 1981, is a remarkable read that connects the history of slavery in the United States to modern-day oppression. Davis also examines the history of women's freedoms, which is in line with current legislation surrounding women's reproductive rights. She emphasizes that access to birth control and safe contraceptive methods is crucial for the emancipation of women.
The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions For A Broken System, edited by Anna Gifty-Agyeman, was released in February 2022. This book is significant as it offers transformative ideas in areas such as healthcare, wellness, education, economy, public policy, and criminal justice. It serves as a reminder that the United States owes something to every person of color, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum of Blackness.
Metaracism: How Systematic Racism Devastates Lives, written by Tricia Rose and published in 2024, sheds light on the unseen ways in which racism is embedded in our society. Rose, a renowned scholar, offers ways to navigate and overcome systemic racism, which often goes unnoticed. She believes that bringing these issues to light can be a healing process, as it validates the experiences of those who have been victims of these systems.
In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Rose discussed the themes of her book and how it exposes the damaging effects of systemic racism. It is crucial for us to confront these issues and work towards a more equitable society. As we move forward, let us not forget the impact of racism on our communities and continue to educate ourselves and take action for a better future.
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